3 New Hip Packs From Thule - Pond Beaver 2020

Apr 9, 2020 at 14:11
by Mike Kazimer  
Thule are best known among mountain bikers for their roof and hitch-mount bike racks, but they've also been steadily growing their line of bags and backpacks. A trio of hip packs is the latest addition to the lineup - the Rail 0, Rail 2, and Rail 4, each one designed for a different intended ride length, ranging from a quick after work rip to a medium-sized ride. All of the packs have a dedicated, fleece-lined phone pocket that's positioned for quick and easy access. They also all have an elasticized velcro waist belt, and stretchy side pockets for holding snacks other items that need to be close at hand. The entire line will be available on June 15th.


Thule Rail 0


Rail 0

The Rail 0 is the smallest pack of the bunch, with just enough room to hold the essentials - a tube, tool, CO2 cartridge and inflator, plus a few gummy bears. It has a low profile that allows it to be unobtrusively worn under a jersey, and an elastic waist belt for extra comfort.

Details
• .5L capacity
• Dedicated phone pocket
• Zippered top pocket, stretchy side pockets
• Elastic velcro waist band
• MSRP: $44.95
• www.thule.com


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Rail 2

Even though it's 2020 there are still bikes out there without a way to hold a water bottle, which is where a pack like the Rail 2 can come in handy - there's no need for any water bottle sharing if you've got this strapped around your waist. There's a sleeve for a bottle on each side, along with plenty of room for carrying the necessities for short to medium-sized rides.



Details
• 2L capacity
• Two water bottle pockets
• Dedicated phone pocket
• Elastic velcro waist band
• MSRP: $59.95



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Rail 4

The Rail 4 is the big dog in the lineup, with enough room for even more snacks, a light jacket, and carrying 1.5 liters of water in the included reservoir. The pack is equipped with Thule's ReTrackt system, which uses a magnetic sleeve to hold the reservoir’s drinking tube to the pack when it's not in use.

The magnet's length helps ensure it'll stay attached even on rough trails, a feature that will be appreciated by anyone who's ever been in the embarrassing scenario of having a hydration pack hose flopping around behind them like a plastic tail.

Details
• 4L capacity
• 1.5L reservoir
• ReTrakt magnetic reservoir tube holder
• Dedicated phone pocket
• MSRP: $99.95


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Pinkbike Pond Beaver 2020



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73 Comments
  • 56 0
 For what it's worth, I had a Thule backpack ( not biking specific ), after about two years the zipper broke. I didn't have the receipt, but Thule replaced it no questions asked. Pretty decent customer service if you ask me.
  • 1 0
 I dare you to try that in Europe
  • 2 0
 Have a Mountain Equipment Co-op school bag for like fifteen years or more, thing is INSANE.
  • 32 1
 This is a hip release. I'm feelin' it.
  • 41 0
 Nah, I kinda feel like its a waist of time
  • 14 1
 @kookseverywhere: lol..now that's fanny!
  • 9 0
 A real belter
  • 2 4
 There's nothing hip about that fanny pack.
  • 2 2
 @kookseverywhere:
  • 2 0
 They look like nice tool belts... Booty bump! I just had to say it....
  • 2 1
 I couldn't think o' fanny puns
  • 15 6
 This is the problem with those hip packs and every other hip pack manufacturer. The waist band is too small. Especially if you have a 1.5l water pouch that just wants to bounce all over your back while going down a run. At least for an aggressive rider who wants to hydrate. So...what’s the solution? Take a look at a competitive paintball player’s “pod pack”. Those packs are designed to stay put while running, jumping, sliding and diving on the ground. How would I know? I’ve played tournament paintball for 15 years and have 2 world championship titles won. That’s why I went to a waist pack in the first place. Widen the waist strap, spread the pressure out more thus allowing for a more snug fit. Enlarge height of the section that sits on your back above your waist. Not only will that make it more secure, it will also improve lumbar support. Dakine, Thule you hearing me? Make your waist packs better. Non believers and naysayers: Google “professional paintball” and watch the vids. Watch them carry more weight and move with ease all while their pod packs stay in place.
  • 1 1
 What championship wins pal? I’m in paintball too Smile
  • 2 0
 This is absolutely true. @zombie93 Who do you play for? Talk to your sponsors? DYE branched out to snow sports with their goggles. Why not MTB packs? Its a far bigger market than paintball too!
  • 2 0
 @GSuperstar: X-Ball in PSP, and NPPL 7-man
  • 2 0
 @Mtnoak: Yep. The DYE goggles are pretty good too. I thought about cutting up one of my old packs to mate with a Dakine Hot Laps pack.
  • 2 0
 @zombie93: oh cool well done!
  • 2 0
 @Mtnoak: the issue is DYE making a jump to snow goggles isn’t too big of a leap from their masks.
I think them edging into this sport, with a product that isn’t worn by everyone (unlike snow goggles really) the market just wouldn’t be there for them.

It’s the same we’ve found with a lot of our ideas.
  • 2 0
 Evoc does a pretty good job with their Hip Pack Pro. It has a pretty wide waistband, and in my experience hugs to the back pretty damn well.

www.qarvimports.com/collections/technical/products/hip-pack-pro-3l
  • 8 1
 I know right. It's too bad nobody has figured out how to integrate some sort of vertical stabilizer strap on there. Two vertical stabilizers would be even better. Maybe even have a little tiny strap to keep the width of the vertical stabilizers just right - you could also rest the hose between this part. I really dont understand why nobody has figured this out...
  • 1 0
 Evoc
  • 1 1
 @takeiteasyridehard: you've described webbing
  • 1 0
 Agreed @Ian713: sounds like a military styled belt kit.
  • 1 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: Never had much luck with most hip packs, they always slide down. Went through three. Eventually I learned about the Source hipster pack, has the webbing, and works so much better. sourceoutdoor.com/en/hydration-packs/161-hipster-hydration-belt
  • 1 0
 @takeiteasyridehard:

Take a look at Henty henty.cc/shop/enduro-backpack

There's a similar cheap waist pack with optional webbing where i live that's pretty much the same but made of lightweight pack material. Costs about $15.
  • 1 0
 @DrSam: that looks legit.
  • 1 0
 @shapethings: nothing better than a hip pack with integrated manzier.
  • 2 0
 I was really just being sarcastic and facetiously referring to a backpack...lol. But I love how serious everyone took it. Some people are really convinced of the merits of a fanny pack. Which is ok. I will take a Camelback, regardless of temperature or duration. Spine protection is the key for me. And I tend to be overly prepared and need the storage. But, some of the responses, especially DrPete linked to what look like good alternatives that address the presented issue.
  • 1 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: I wonder which companies will be first to purposely integrate protection into their bags and/or packs.

With old style webbing, you could adjust your belt-kit as was demanded. I wonder if modern packs could be designed in a way like that, so not only could it's capacity be adjustable, but safety features too.
  • 2 0
 @Ian713: I cant tell if you're being sarcastic like I was...but I know Camelback and evoc make just what you described....my wife has one...unfortunately it was an afterthought from her breaking her back...she did have a regular hydration pack, probably wouldn't be here if she wasnt wearing it.
  • 1 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: what is it about my previous reply that gave you pause and thought it sarcastic in any way?
  • 2 0
 @Ian713: I am not entirely sure. A combination of things. Sleep deprivation, my own awareness of spine protector hydration packs(and an assumption they were more widely know), your post seemed to be similar in format to my original sarcastic post, also perhaps I was in a defensive state and assuming people would try to return the favor in the form of a subtle tricky and sarcastic post...to be honest-if you cant tell-sometimes I just tend to overthink things...I didnt take your post too serious, I just like thinking about things from funny angles I suppose.
  • 1 0
 @takeiteasyridehard: that was an interesting bit of self-reflection and introspection, always good to take stock of the different things that make up who we are.
  • 8 1
 The Fanny er Hip Packs are getting so big, the next cool trend will be putting shoulder straps on it to hold it up on your back.
  • 1 0
 Henty is way ahead of you on that idea
  • 2 0
 Yeah that Rail 4 looks like it's for people who ride XL bikes.
  • 2 0
 @mtmc99: Wingnut was way ahead of Henty on that idea. Wink
  • 9 0
 does that thule take a 1.25" or 2" hitch?
  • 2 0
 I think it fits 6-7" in the back pocket.
  • 6 0
 I hope they make a bigger one so I could put my ole 17" MacBook Pro in it....
  • 7 0
 Looks like an Evoc!
  • 8 0
 Evoc copies are all the rage. They are the Minions of the hip pack world.
  • 1 0
 Looks like a Trek
  • 1 0
 I had a fanny pack...I mean hip pack with double water bottle sleeves that I wore while pedaling my Nishiki Colorado up a fire road like twice when I was 12. I'm sure that Rail 2 is far better, and I'm actually a big fan of the whole bum bag trend, but it's still funny to see stuff from 20 years ago become cool again.
  • 6 1
 I can finally look like a tool!
  • 3 0
 I own the Evoc Hip pack and it's freaking confortable. Love it! Thule is probably excellent as well.
  • 4 0
 How many toilet paper can this carry?
  • 1 1
 What sort of person pays 99$ for a fanny pack? They are about 8£ in my local sports shop and last a couple years too. You cant even get your Jersey to fit of these big ones to pretend you aren't wearing one, so you have to shamefully flaunt it. They look so sh#t !!
  • 3 0
 Being underpacked is the new black.
  • 3 0
 It's a fanny pack, and it's also hilarious
  • 1 0
 Funny pack and space age glasses were popular in the 80's for a simple reason, our Colombian brothers. These are never going to have a comeback without it.
  • 2 0
 I thule, positively do not like the shape of this.
  • 3 1
 Looks like a nerdy laptop bag
  • 1 0
 Walmart has those for less than $10. I'm not kidding. In the camping section.
  • 1 2
 Picked up a hip pack from REI Outlet for ~$22 last fall and really like it so far. www.rei.com/product/168490/rei-co-op-trail-5-waistpack
  • 2 1
 I don't like this. The waist band is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy too small
  • 1 0
 It's not a man purse, it's called a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one.
  • 8 9
 I seriously don't see the advantage of this.. just wear a fckin backpack
  • 8 1
 Trust me, on hot summer days you'll like it.
  • 10 1
 And the rest of us don't see the advantage of wearing a backpack so.... lets just keep doing what we do?
  • 2 1
 So you don't like it so it must suck and folks should be like you correct? #youdoyou
  • 2 1
 I use an EVOC, I love it. I also have an EVOC backpack which I like because it has helmet straps. Both are good. Open your mind a little to the possibility you might like it.
  • 1 2
 @Ajorda: Everything that's in that fanny pack I can fit on my frame via water bottle cage, oneup, and straps and then have nothing on my back on a hot summer day. Only reason for this I can see is if you bought a bike with no room for a bottle
  • 3 0
 @kookseverywhere: move on buddy boy. You can put your shit in a backpack, a hip pack, on your frame and or in a bloody basket if you like.

Different folks different stroooookes
  • 1 0
 @TheBearDen: I like how you didn't give him an inch.
  • 1 0
 @kookseverywhere: Sorry man, I'm not doing an enduro line with a Salsa Beargrease or something like that.Hip pack on my extremely well performing bike it is.
  • 1 1
 Looks like a Session
  • 1 3
 Hip packs, so hot right now.
  • 2 4
 Was Dick Pound at Pound, er Pond Beaver?
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